Ravens Add Needed Depth at Wide Receiver

Baltimore Ravens signed Kelley Washington to a one-year deal, as reported by ESPN.Com's Len Pasquarelli.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A product of the University of Tennessee, Washington has previously played with the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots.

This signing at wide receiver addresses the issue which was, surprisingly, not filled during the draft. Perhaps the Ravens always planned on going with an older and more experienced receiver to compliment the aging Derrick Mason.

Washington, 29 and a six-year veteran, should fill that role nicely.

He's never been known as an explosive wide receiver—he's along the lines of a Larry Fitzgerald—but he gives quarterback Joe Flacco a 6'3" target with consistent hands.

The question that remains is whether or not Washington will quickly adapt to offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's playbook, especially with the Wildcat offense the Ravens ran so effectively last season.

Here, Washington's two years with the Patriots should prove useful. He was primarily utilized in a special teams role, which should give him the flexibility to handle the offense.

His experience at both quarterback and defensive back during his high school career also did not go unnoticed by Ravens' scouts.

Most importantly, Washington's signing should help strengthen the one part of the Ravens' roster about which fans had worried. Derrick Mason is getting older, and his shoulder is still a concern.

Likewise, Mark Clayton is finally developing, and has shown hints of his skills, but he must work on his consistency. The return of Demetrius Williams also helps, but you have to wonder how quickly he can return to form.

With Washington's signing, I would not be surprised if he and Clayton rotated, but Washington's size advantage of five inches will surely come into play during pressure situations.

Is Washington's signing a good one? As with everything, only time will tell. However, I do think this addition will make the Ravens' offense more potent.